DIY Kimono

Hello beautiful people! Kimono-style tops are a light and easy way to layer in the spring and summer months. I love the effortless look that kimonos can give any outfit. They can be paired with tanks, swimsuits, and dresses. After looking at many different kimono's, I saw that the shape and pattern were quite simple. I basically drew on the fabric itself and cut it out. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make your own!

Materials

• 1 1/2 yards of lightweight fabric- fits small to large ( mine is from Jo-Ann's ) 
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Needle
• Pins
• Fringe or lace

 a. 1 1/2 yards

 b. 14 inches 

 c. 16- 20 inches depending on length of torso

 d. 10-14 inches depending on how close you want the fit

Step 1

Fold your 1 1/2 yards of fabric in half. Measure (a) by (b) and (c)

Step 2

Measure (c) and (d) on both sides and cut out the rectangles. Cut a straight line down the middle. Create an opening as big as you'd like. Make sure to only cut the front of the kimono!

Step 3

Place pins along the side seams. To prevent fraying fold a half an inch in for the opening seams and pin.

Step 4

Begin to sew along the pinned line ( I hand stitched this, but a sewing machine would be much quicker). You may also use fabric glue if you have trouble sewing, but once you get the needle threaded and tied, it is a piece of cake.

Step 5

OPTIONAL: I thought this step gave the kimono a little more character, so I added fringe along the sleeves. All you need to do is pin and sew! Then you are done!! 

I hope you enjoy making your Kimono as much as I did. I already plan on making some more! I'd love to see your Kimonos' if you make one! Make sure to tag me on instagram @missmariaelizabeth ,if you make one!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Spring Break Packing List

Hello beautiful people! Right now we're in the final stretch of midterms and papers, and cramming in last minute projects before the light at the end of the tunnel: SPRING BREAK! It's so close that you can almost feel the sand between your toes, smell the salt water, and hear the crashing of the waves. I know for me, the only thing I want to be doing right now is relaxing by the ocean and soaking up some rays. To make sure you have everything you need for a great week, I have made a check list of things you don't want to forget!

PACKING LIST:

Swimsuits: It is important to get bathing suits that you can mix and match, because you are going to be in them all week! Tip: for those of you who don't want swimsuit lines, a bandeau top is great.

Bandeau Bikini : Target

Corset Bikini : Forever 21

Cover-up: A light fabric cover-up can keep you cool under the sun or it can keep you warm when the sun begins to set.

Tie-Dye Cover-up : Forever 21

Pom-Pom Tunic : J.Crew

Sunglasses: You don't need the most expensive pair of sunglasses to bring together a  beach outfit; you just need to find  the right look for you!

Aviator Sunglasses : Forever 21

                                                     

                                                              Heart- Shaped Glasses

Floppy Hat: These hats are wonderful for blocking the sun from your eyes if you want a different option from sunglasses. They are also a huge trend in the south!

Straw Hat : J.Crew

Straw Panama Hat

Sandals: The most basic and necessary shoe for any spring break at the beach. It is best to bring a neutral pair of shoes, along with a colored pair of sandals.

  

                                                       

                                                       Gladiator Sandals

                                                    

                                                            Flip Flops : Target

Beach Bag: If you are going to spend the whole day at the beach, you need to be prepared with all the necessary supplies, and that requires a bag to fit it all!

                                             

                                                         Monogram Beach Bag

                                           

                                                               Monogram Tote : Etsy

Nail Polish: Choose a playful, bright color for the beach! It will look fabulous when you are all tanned up!

                                              

                                                                     essie nail polish

SUNSCREEN:  I know most of us want to get color while we are on spring break, but it is best to protect our skin! Also a lip balm with SPF in it will protect your lips from chapping.

                                              

                                              

                                                            Sun Bum Day Tripper

Book/ Magazine: Spring break is a great time to pick up that book you've been longing to read!

                                             

Beauty Bag: Make sure to pack a brush, deodorant, lip gloss, texturizing hair spray or cream, spray bottle of water ( to keep you refreshed) , makeup wipes, aloe, hand sanitizer , and mascara.

I hope you all have an awesome week and don't forget to put on sunscreen!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Sleeping Beauty: Habits You Should Be Doing Every Night

Hello beautiful people! It turns out that your body can do serious work for you while you sleep -- you just have to give it a little help along the way. Try one or all of these treatments to wake up looking refreshed and gorgeous!

Say goodnight to your phone
 Whether you are catching up with your bestie or saying sweet dreams to you BF, end the conversation BEFORE you complete the rest of your nightly routine. It's best to put your phone away 1 hour before bed.If you think about it, there are zillions of germs on your phone that build up throughout the day. The last thing you need is to put those germs back onto your face. Sleeping on not-so tidy sheets and pillows can have similar effects, so make sure to tidy up your space and ditch those electronics before bed.

Remove your makeup-- all of it. For real.
Unless you have a minimal beauty routine, makeup removal isn't just a swipe of a cotton ball across your eyes. Make sure you remove ALL of your makeup, even if you feel like you can't stay up another second ( your skin will thank you). Not cleaning your face will lead to breakouts and blemishes as early as the next day ( I'd rather not ). A make-up remover is not a cure for a bedtime-ready face; make sure to clean your face also.  Try using a cleansing wipe first, like Olay Sensitive Wet Cleansing Cloths before giving it a second wash with a gentle cleanser like PHILOSOPHY: Purity Made Simple .

Moisturize your face (and body)
Evenings are a time of renewal for skin -- there's a reason for all those night creams on the market. While you sleep, skin regenerates and heals itself, so never skip moisturizer. To counteract the imbalances of modern life, boost your skins nightly recovery process with LANCôME BIENFAIT MULTI-VITAL NIGHT .
Moisturizing should not stop at your face. To help the rest of your body to renew itself while you catch some Zzz's... apply a body butter or daily moisturizer like AVEENO DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION .

Brush and floss
It goes without saying that no woman wants yellow teeth, cavities, or bad breath, yet not every woman follows this important step every night either.If you skip flossing every once in a while it is ok ( not don't make it a habit). If you skip brushing your teeth, your dinner will sit on your teeth all night...EW! For an easy DIY whitening treatment, try brushing some baking soda on your teeth before bed. Leave the mixture on your teeth for no more than 5 minutes and make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards. This is a perfect PM beauty treatment because normally you would have to wait 50 minutes before drinking or eating. TIP: only do this once a week because baking soda can wear down the enamel if, used everyday.

Prevent wrinkles
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause creases on your skin and create wrinkles. Instead, pamper yourself by investing in a silk or satin one. It will lessen the pressure on your skin and help prevent hair breakage.

De-Puff
If you constantly wake up with puffy, swollen eyes, try this simple trick: add a an extra pillow and sleep on your back. This will allow for the fluids around your eyes to drain easier and keep puffiness to a minimum.  Don't forget an eye cream. Look for creams that list caffeine as one of the top ingredients-- it will keep the fluids moving. Try First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy .

Lengthen Lashes
Give your lashes some love with a DIY lengthening treatment. The secret ingredient? Vaseline. Vaseline moisturizes the lashes and prevents breakage. Put some Vaseline on a  cotton swab and then apply to lashes like mascara. In the morning, just rinse with warm water and wash your face as usual. You will see results in just a week!

Soften
For a pampering overnight treatment, try rubbing Vaseline on the soles of your feet and put on socks before you sleep. The socks will bind the moisture to your feet and you'll wake up with silky, smooth feet in the morning.

Get 8 hours of sleep
Catching a good night's sleep can really effect the way you look. Sleep can reduce dark circles. An inadequate amount of sleep can also cause your skin to look pale and tired because of a lack of circulation in the face.

Take time to unwind
This is probably the most-skipped step in our nightly rituals because it can't be rushed, but taking time to relax and de-stress is vital for health and beauty. Make sure to unplug for 30 minutes before you hit the hay, and you'll wake up looking and feeling beautiful and refreshed.

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Valentine's Day Outfits

Hello Beautiful people! Happy Thursday!!Once you figure out your plans for Valentine's Day, it's time to pick out something to wear. So whether you are celebrating the big day with a sweet dinner at home, hitting the town with your man, or celebrating singledom with your girls, I've got some looks that will make your day one to remember!  I hope these looks inspire you!

Outfit #1:  Top // Francesca's, Skirt // LOFT , Heels // DSW

Outfit #2:  Top (your choice of graphic tee) , Jeans// Forever 21 , Blazer// Forever 21

Outfit #3: Dress // Old Navy , Scarf// Target , Shoes // Target

Outfit #4: Pj Shorts // Old Navy , T-shirt (made by me) 

• If you'd like to make the t-shirt, I got the shirt from Target and the iron on letters from Jo-Ann's

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Build a Wardrobe on a Budget

Hello beautiful people! Fashion can be overwhelming, especially for those of us on a tight budget! If you're paying off debt, saving for a large purchase, or going to college (like me), this post will guide you to having the perfect wardrobe. While trends may be fun, every girl should invest in some basics, that will carry you through all the short lived trends and be adaptable to any event or occasion.

Again, I am a college student which means... I'm poor haha. With that being said, my passion for fashion has to fit in a limited spending range. The best advice is to find the essentials as cheaply as possible and find the very best sales. You don't have to spend a lot to look FABULOUS!

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS:

SHOES:

• 1 Pair of Sandals to go with everything
• 1 Pair of Classic Boots ( riding boots)
• 1 Pair of Black Flats 
• 1 Pair of Loafers
• 1 Pair of Black or Nude Heels

DRESSES/SKIRTS:

• Little Black Dress
• Pretty Day Dress
• Long Sleeve Knit-Dress
• Black Pencil Skirt
• Maxi Skirt (optional)

JEANS/PANTS:

• Dressy Jeans (Dark Wash)
• Casual Jeans 
• Black Trousers
• Dress Pants (Gray or Khaki)
• Jean Shorts
• Colored or Patterned Shorts (optional)

SHIRTS/TOPS:

• Basic Tees or Tanks (Black, White, Gray)
• White Button-Down Shirt
• V-Neck Sweater (You pick the Color)
• 2-3 Cardigans (Black, Tan, Crazy Color)
• Tunic or Statement Top

OUTERWEAR:

• Jean Jacket
• Black or Neutral Trench or Peacoat
• Blazer (your choice)
• Rain coat (lightweight coat)

ACCESSORIES:

• Scarf
• Stylish Handbag (one that you can wear with anything)
• Sunglasses
• Tan and Black Belt
• Floppy Hat (optional)
• Leggings or Tights ( layer summer pieces for fall)

BLING

• Diamond studs
• Pearl studs
• Gold or Silver Bangles
• Watch
• Statement Necklace
• Basic Silver or Gold Necklace and Studs

BE THOUGHTFUL WHEN/WHERE YOU SNAG ESSENTIALS:

If you're shopping on a budget, you will have to think outside the box to get the best deals on pieces that are essential for your wardrobe. Whenever you can, look for daily deal sites, clearance racks or even thrift shops.

For me, when I want a high-end pair of shoes or piece of jewelry, I ask for it as a gift or request gift cards to save up for it. You can't always get essentials in your budget. So for things like a good pair of pearl earrings or a nice handbag that can last you years, it is best to save up for or request it as a gift. This way you don't get the cheaper version that will tarnish or break in a month.

TAKE MENTAL NOTES BEFORE YOU SHOP:

It is so easy to get caught up in the latest trends, but be mindful and keep it simple if you're on a budget. TIP: Whenever you buy an item or even think about buying an item ask yourself " How many outfits will this make?" or "What will this item complete?"

TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT BASICS STAY FOREVER

Trends are so costly! Just because Faux Fur Vests are trendy now, does not mean that they will be in the future, There is no need to rush to Forever 21 or other  discount shops to stock up on the latest trend. While you are getting your one trend another trend is being made.

The great thing about staples is that once you have them all, it is easy to adapt them to the trends with just small additions for $20 or less. Having a classy black dress can be dolled up or down in so many affordable and fashionable ways.

Focus on your budget and on your basics. Trends may be fun for a season, but usually end up being regretted later. Timeless pieces aren't going anywhere. As hard as it may be, don't buy what you don't need. ( it's a struggle I have)

DON'T BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU CAN'T FIND ALL THE ESSENTIALS AT ONCE!

It is best to wait to find the best fitting items than to buy something just because a store says you have to. Patience is key when finding the best timeless pieces, Your pocketbook will thank you in the long run!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

DIY: Wire Bracelets

Hello beautiful people! I have seen wire bracelets everywhere recently from Etsy to Bourbon and Boweties. I never thought that I could make these lovely bracelets; although, back in the day, I used to love making jewelry. I don't know why I was wasting so much time not making them. These bracelets are gorgeous and can dress up any outfit.

Today I am going to take you through a step by step on how to master the perfect bracelet.

What you will need:

• One kitchen glass to mold the bracelet
• Basic bangles for measurements
• 1 pair of snipping tools
• 1 pair of needle nose pliers
•  5-6 feet of 20 Gage Artistic Wire
• 3- 4 moderately flat beads with holes through the center or on either side (I'd check Jo-Ann's or Michael's)

Step 1: Use the kitchen glass to wrap your wires. Each bracelet should have 2-3 wraps of wire around them. Place the wire on the glass then tighten the bracelet to your desired size. Be sure that one wire measures about 9 inches and the other end of the wire is much longer (about a foot).

Step 2: Take the shorter end of the wire and wrap around 1-2 times to hold the wires in place.

Step 3: Add stone #1 to the open wire and push it down to the coil. Wrap the wire 2-3 times on each side.

Step 4: Take the extra wire you have and wrap it around the stone or bead.

Step 5: Snip off any excess wire so that it does not cut you while wearing.

Step 6: Repeat steps 1-5 for the next two stones *REMEMBER* The long side of wire has to be used for 2 more stones so only go around the stone  2-3 times to ensure you have enough wire.

Step 7: MAKE A BUNCH!

I hope you enjoy making these bracelets as much as I did! 

Check out Art and Soul Beads or try searching on Etsy for some flat beads!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth